If there’s one thing that makes the crisp autumn afternoons even better, aside from a boiling cup of tea or coffee, it’s a delicious homemade treat that embodies the spirit of the season. And I am not sure if you’re team tea or team coffee, but these Pumpkin cheesecake donuts are the ultimate fusion of pumpkin spice and creamy cheesecake, all packed into one delightful doughnut.

And while this is not our first-ever doughnut recipe – cue here the vegan apple cider doughnuts from last year! – you know we have a soft spot for something deep-fried and filled with anything delicious, and I can tell you for a fact that of all our recipes, this one might be taking a great top spot among my favourites ever. Because it’s so sweet, and I have a sweet tooth – hadn’t you noticed yet?! – but also filled with pumpkin, one of my favourite ingredients ever.

In this recipe, I’ll take you through the steps needed to create these heavenly fluffy delights that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. I can tell you now they are quite easy and if you follow this recipe for the Pumpkin Cheesecake Donuts you will be able to impress your friends and family with your baking skills and bring the cosy vibes of fall right into your kitchen.

And if you fancy any other pumpkin recipe, then make sure you check these ones out:

• our latest one, a beautiful pumpkin brioche;
• the yummiest pumpkin gnocchi you will ever try;
• soft and chubby pumpkin pie spice pancakes, for a fall brekkie of dreams;
• the pumpkin spiced iced latte recipe you can also make hot and cosy;
• your next go-to recipe for Thanksgiving, the pumpkin ganache pie;
• the most amazing butternut squash and crispy bacon pasta.

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The easiest recipe you’ll ever encounter for pumpkin cheesecake donuts

Fall is the time for pumpkin everything, and what better way to celebrate the season than with a batch of Pumpkin Cheesecake donuts? These irresistible treats combine the warm flavours of pumpkin spice with the richness of pumpkin cheesecake filling. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking for a fun project to do in the kitchen this coming weekend, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings for all things fall.

FIRST OFF, once again – IS IT DOUGHNUT OR DONUT?

You know we discussed this before, but just as a reminder, this was always the biggest question ever – one that gets down to the British or American English version. I guess you do you, wherever you are from and what kind of influence you have if English is not your first language. 

Donut has become a variant of doughnut in most dictionaries. It has been introduced in text since the mid-20th century, and you’ll recognise it from places like Dunkin Donuts. Of course, the accepted version in a dictionary is doughnut, the British English one. But, you’ll be able to use the shortened American English one without issues as well. So, again, it is really up to you and what you fancy.

WHEN IS IT Pumpkin SEASON? AND WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH THEM?

Pumpkin season typically begins in late summer and lasts through the fall, with the peak occurring in October. This is when pumpkins are harvested and readily available at your local farmers’ markets, grocery stores, and pumpkin patches. The exact timing can of course vary depending on your location and climate, but the period from September to November is generally considered prime pumpkin season in many parts of the world. And how could we avoid such prime time?!

During this season, pumpkins are not only popular for Halloween decorations but also highly sought after for their culinary uses. There are countless delicious ways to make the most of this versatile and nutritious fruit – yes, pumpkins are technically fruits!

Here are some fantastic things you can do with pumpkins during their peak season:

1. Pumpkin Pie: Perhaps the most iconic pumpkin dish, pumpkin pie is a must-have during the fall. The creamy and spiced filling nestled in a flaky pie crust is a Thanksgiving favourite;
2. Roasted Pumpkin Seeds: After carving your pumpkin for Halloween, don’t discard the seeds! Roasted pumpkin seeds are a tasty, crunchy snack. Season them with your favourite spices for extra flavour;
3. Pumpkin Soup: A warm and comforting bowl of pumpkin soup is perfect for chilly autumn days. Add some cream, spices, and a drizzle of olive oil for a luxurious touch;
4. Pumpkin Bread or Muffins: Pumpkin puree can be used to make moist and flavorful pumpkin bread or muffins. Add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits for extra texture and taste;
5. Pumpkin Smoothies: Blend pumpkin puree with yoghurt, milk, or a milk alternative, and your choice of spices – cinnamon and nutmeg work extremely well with pumpkin! – for a delicious and healthy pumpkin smoothie;
6. Pumpkin Risotto: Use pumpkin puree or cubed pumpkin in your favourite risotto recipe. The mild sweetness of pumpkin pairs wonderfully with the creamy rice dish;
7. Pumpkin Pancakes or Waffles: Add pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice to your pancake (just like we did) or waffle batter for a seasonal twist on breakfast;
8. Pumpkin Pasta: Pumpkin can be used to make a creamy pasta sauce. Combine it with garlic, sage, and a touch of cream for a delightful sauce that pairs well with pasta;
9. Pumpkin Chilli: Add diced pumpkin to your favourite chilli recipe for a hearty and nutritious addition;
10. Pumpkin Cheesecake: Just like in the pumpkin cheesecake donuts, pumpkin puree can be used to make a creamy and flavorful cheesecake filling;
11. Pumpkin Butter: Simmer pumpkin puree with sugar and spices until it thickens into a spreadable butter. It’s great on toast, muffins, or as a filling for pastries;
12. Pumpkin Lattes: Embrace the pumpkin spice latte season by making your own at home. Combine pumpkin puree, coffee, milk, and your choice of spices for a cosy autumn drink;
13. Pumpkin Ice Cream: Create a seasonal dessert by making homemade pumpkin ice cream. The creamy, spiced flavour is perfect for transitioning from summer to fall;
14. Pumpkin Seeds in Salads: Toasted pumpkin seeds can add crunch and nuttiness to salads. They’re a great contrast to leafy greens and other salad ingredients;
15. Pumpkin Decorations: Don’t forget that besides being delicious, pumpkins are also fantastic for decorating! Carving, painting, or simply arranging them can add a festive touch to the home.

So, when pumpkin season rolls around, seize the opportunity to explore these delicious and creative ways to incorporate this iconic fall ingredient into your meals and treats like these pumpkin cheesecake donuts. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, there’s a pumpkin dish for everyone to enjoy during this wonderful season.

Is pumpkin good for you?

Pumpkin is indeed good for you and it offers a range of health benefits. It’s a nutrient-rich food that can be a valuable addition to a balanced diet. Let’s check together some reasons why pumpkin is considered a healthy food:

1. Low in Calories: Pumpkin is relatively low in calories, making it a good choice for those looking to manage their calorie intake;
2. High in Fiber: Pumpkin is a good source of dietary fibre, which is essential for digestive health. Fibre helps promote regular bowel movements and can contribute to a feeling of fullness, which may aid in weight management;
3. Rich in Vitamins: Pumpkin is packed with essential vitamins, especially vitamin A. One cup of cooked, mashed pumpkin provides well over 100% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin A, which is crucial for maintaining healthy vision, skin and immune function;
4. Abundant in Antioxidants: Pumpkin is rich in antioxidants, including beta-carotene, which gives it its vibrant orange colour. Antioxidants help protect the body’s cells from damage caused by free radicals and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases;
5. Low in Fat: Pumpkin is naturally low in fat, which makes it a heart-healthy choice. It can be used as a substitute for higher-fat ingredients in recipes to reduce overall fat content;
6. Contains Essential Minerals: Pumpkin contains important minerals like potassium, which is essential for maintaining healthy blood pressure, and iron, which plays a vital role in carrying oxygen through the bloodstream;
7. Good Source of Vitamin C: While not as high in vitamin C as some other fruits and vegetables, pumpkin still provides a reasonable amount of this important nutrient, which supports the immune system and helps the body absorb iron from plant-based foods;
8. Supports Eye Health: The beta-carotene in pumpkin is not only good for overall health but also specifically beneficial for eye health. It may help reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts;
9. Versatile and Nutritious: Pumpkin can be incorporated into a wide variety of dishes, from soups and salads to desserts and smoothies, making it a versatile ingredient that can easily fit into your diet.

It’s important to note that while pumpkin itself is nutritious, the health benefits can vary depending on how it’s prepared and what it’s paired with. For example, a slice of pumpkin pie loaded with sugar and heavy cream or a couple of pumpkin cheesecake donuts are not as healthy as a pumpkin soup or roasted pumpkin seasoned with herbs and spices.

What ingredients do I need for these pumpkin cheesecake donuts?

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather our ingredients for the pumpkin cheesecake donuts. I know this recipe for the pumpkin cheesecake donuts will seem daunting just by the ingredients list, but trust me when I say it’s easier than you think. You won’t be spending too much time working on the dough, and the most effort will come from the frying and filling. But let’s see it all together.

For the pumpkin cheesecake donuts dough you will need the following:

• Flour, any kind will work but prefer strong bread flour;
• Fresh yeast, but can be easily replaced by dried yeast;
• Whole milk;
• A whole egg;
• Vanilla bean paste, of the best quality but that goes without saying;
• Sugar, white granulated will work wonders for this pumpkin cheesecake donuts dough;
• Salt, because you always need to balance the sweetness;
• Vegetable oil to replace butter;
• Oil for frying (enough to fill your pan about 2 inches deep).

For the pumpkin cheesecake filling of the pumpkin cheesecake donuts you will need:

• Cream cheese, softened, of your favourite brand;
• Pumpkin puree, we have made our own but you can surely use canned puree if that’s what you have on hand;
• Powdered sugar;
• Vanilla bean paste,
• Cinnamon and pumpkin pie spices, of course;
• A pinch of salt, to balance out the sweetness.

And lastly, how can we forget about the coating for these pumpkin cheesecake doughnuts?

• Granulated sugar;
• Pumpkin pie spice, of course, to give you that extra kick of fall whenever you take a bite out of one or two of these pumpkin cheesecake donuts.

How do I make these pumpkin cheesecake donuts?

There are a few different steps to these pumpkin cheesecake donuts recipe, let’s see them together now.

• Prepare Your Equipment: To make these pumpkin cheesecake donuts you’ll need a few essential tools. Make sure you have a stand mixer like a KitchenAid Stand Mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, a baking sheet, a cooling rack, and a candy thermometer to monitor the oil temperature;
• Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, yeast, sugar and salt until just combined;
• Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the milk, egg, vegetable oil and vanilla extract. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms;
• Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it gently until it comes together, or just use a stand mixer. Be careful not to over-knead; you want your donuts to be light and fluffy. Let the dough rise until doubled in size, then punch back;
• Cut and Roll: Cut the dough into 70g chunks, then roll them into balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let them rise again for 30 minutes.
• Prepare for Frying: Time to deep fry each donut, make sure you warm up your oil to 180°C and keep it to a constant temperature. Use your thermometer to ensure the correct temperature.
• Fry the Donuts: Carefully lower the doughnuts into the hot oil using a slotted spoon or tongs. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown.
• Drain and Cool: Once the pumpkin cheesecake donuts are fried to perfection, remove them from the oil and let them drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Now, let’s prepare the pumpkin cheesecake filling that will be the heart of our pumpkin cheesecake donuts and the sugar coating:

• Beat the Cream Cheese: In the bowl of your stand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy.
• Add Sugar and Vanilla: Add the powdered sugar, pumpkin purée, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, pinch of salt and vanilla paste to the cream cheese while continuing to mix. Your pumpkin cheesecake filling is ready!
• Prepare the Coating: In a shallow bowl, combine the granulated sugar and pumpkin pie spice to create the pumpkin spice sugar coating.
• Coat the Donuts: While the donuts are still hot but cool enough to handle, gently roll them in the pumpkin spice sugar coating until they’re evenly covered. The warmth of the donuts will help the coating adhere beautifully.

And it’s finally time to fill the pumpkin cheesecake donuts, so let’s see together how:

• Poke a Hole: Create a hole in each donut, being careful not to drop too much sugar coating;
• Fill it with Pumpkin Cheesecake: Prepare your filling in a piping bag fitted with a medium nozzle, then fill each donut until it feels heavy and packed to the brim with pumpkin cheesecake filling.

And that it’s the process to get to some delicious pumpkin cheesecake donuts in a nutshell!

Tips and Tricks for this pumpkin cheesecake donut recipe

• Don’t skip the candy thermometer: Maintaining the correct oil temperature is crucial for achieving perfectly fried donuts. Too hot, and they’ll burn; too cool, and they’ll become greasy;
• Experiment with fillings: While we’re all about the pumpkin cheesecake donuts filling, don’t hesitate to get creative. Try Nutella, raspberry jam, or even chocolate chip cookie dough for a unique twist;
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry the donuts in batches to ensure they cook evenly and have enough space to float freely in the hot oil;
• The pumpkin cheesecake donuts are best consumed on the day you make them but can be stored in an air-tight container for up to a day after preparation day.